Outdoor Retailer 2013: Gear of the Show

It's that time again! Outside's gear editors are handing out Gear of the Show awards at Salt Lake City's Outdoor Retailer, the massive biannual outdoor industry convention. Here are our picks for the most exciting outdoor gear of 2013.

Photo: Courtesy of Key Log

The Key Log

I’ve been coming to Outdoor Retailer gear show for over ten years and the Key log, a nearly 12-foot-long, 60-pound synthetic log designed for rolling, is without a doubt one of the coolest products I’ve seen.

Hoka One One Conquest

Kelty PK 50 Backpack

Zipperless outdoor gear is (almost) a trend this year at the show this year. Sierra Designs unveiled a new sleeping bag without interlooking teeth and now Kelty has pulled off a potentially even niftier trick with the PK 50, a completely zipperless 50-liter backpack.

Oru Kayak

Folding kayaks have traditionally been unwieldy and heavy, mainly because of the rib systems that are used to create the integrity of the boat. Which is why we’ve been eagerly watching the Oru, an elegant new portable kayak, come to life for the past year or so.

Indie Gear Gear of the Show

In addition to Gear of the Show awards, we're highlighting a few promising new companies and products that catch our eye. We start with Tactical Lighting Solutions, which makes modular $35 - $39 flashlights that can accommodate a dizzying amount of different lighting options and colors.